History of the United States from the earliest discovery of America to the present time . ne of the be-witched children to his house, that hemight note and describe the ways of thedevil in her case. The results he soonafter published in his Memorable Provi-dences Relating to Witchcrafts and Posses-sions. This work admitted no doubt asto the reality of the demoniac possessions,which indeed it affected to demonstrateforever. All the Boston ministers signedits preface, certifying to its clear informa-tion that both a God and a devil, andwitchcraft existed. Nothing too vile,it alleged, can be said
History of the United States from the earliest discovery of America to the present time . ne of the be-witched children to his house, that hemight note and describe the ways of thedevil in her case. The results he soonafter published in his Memorable Provi-dences Relating to Witchcrafts and Posses-sions. This work admitted no doubt asto the reality of the demoniac possessions,which indeed it affected to demonstrateforever. All the Boston ministers signedits preface, certifying to its clear informa-tion that both a God and a devil, andwitchcraft existed. Nothing too vile,it alleged, can be said of, nothing toohard can be done to, such a horrible iniquityas witchcraft is. The publication excitedgreat attention, and to it in no small meas-ure the ensuing tragedy may be traced. 248 ENGLISH AMERICA [1692 In February, 1692, three more subjects,children of Rev. Mr. Parris, minister atDanvers, then called Salem Village, ex-hibited bad witchcraft symptoms. Theutmost excitement prevailed. Neighboringclergymen joined the village in fasting andprayer. A general fast for the colony was. Old Tituba the Indian. x692] THE SALEM WITCHCRAFT 249 ordered. But the devilism, as CottonMather named it, spread instead of abating,the children having any number of imi-tators so soon as they became objects ofgeneral notice and sympathy. Old Tituba,an Indian crone, who had served in Parrissfamily, was the first to be denounced as thecause. Two other aged females, one crazy,the other bed-ridden, were also presentlyaccused, and after a little while severalladies of Parriss church. Whoso uttereda whisper of incredulity, general or as tothe blameworthiness of any whom Parriscalled guilt), was instantly indicted withthem. On April nth, the Deputy Governorheld in the meeting-house in Salem Yil-lage a court for a preliminary examinationof the prisoners. A scene at once ridic-ulous and tragic followed. \\ nen theywere brought in, their alleged victimsappeared overcome at their gaze, pretend-ing to be b
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